And then there were none

Over the last few days I have suspected that the flicker chicks were fledging one by one.

Mom? Dad? Where are you?

The parents stay away longer between feedings. I only saw 2 chicks in the nest yesterday. This morning just one was left.

Maybe they’ll hear me better if I just step out here

I didn’t see the parents at all today. Of course I don’t have time to sit and watch all day. But I usually see them if I’m out there for 10 or 15 minutes.

Whoa! That was close!

This one doesn’t look as mature as the other two did. I was watching it through the camera lens and suddenly it started to venture outside the nest. She flapped her wings a couple times to regain her footing; chirping the whole time. But then she lost her footing and she flapped as she drifted to the ground. She landed in the tall grass. She was quiet for a long time. Then started chirping again. We didn’t see her again. I don’t know if she’ll try to find a tree or just hunker down there for the night. We didn’t see the parents come back either.